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.- Page 4 4. Security. Obscuring views of businesses from adjacent residential zones is generally positive. F3owever, in some cases it can pose a security problem. Semiropaque or opaque screening to the rear of a business may pose a security risk. Visible entrances to the property are more easily patrolled by police cars. 5. Ingress/Egress. Access to a site for service, police and emergency vehicles is vital. In most cases a fence along a property line may not affect ingress and egress to the site. However, this varies for each business use. For example, the delivery doors for Bullseye nearly abut its rear lot line. It would be .impossible to construct a landscaping or a fencing barrier along the rear lot line without making deliveries impossible. (Bullseye nay have been exempt from this screening requirement during, the development review). 6. Business Retention and Expense. Cities are increasingly recognizing the importance of retaining existing, compatible businesses. • rather than stressing business attraction. Part of this process involves a sensitivity to code enforcement issues. (It does not mean rejecting code enforcement). Screening costs money. For example, a homeowner recently had a six foot high, 50 ft. treated cedar fence installed in his sideyard for $1,038. A basic perimeter, chain link fence in a residential rear and side yard costs between $1,000 and $1,500. #fiese are prices based on installation in soil, not concrete or asphalt which might be the case on commercial property. Attractive landscaping is more expensive. With the perception of "hard times" ahead, particularly for the retail sectorr the cost-benefit of enforcing the code must be carefully considered. 7. Administration. Implementing an enforcement program requires working closely with business and neighboring residential property owners whether on a complaint basis or a citywide program. Contacting property owners, explaining the requirements in a non-threatening manner, evaluating the unique property needs and working with property owners to come to the most reasonable long term solution takes time. CONCLUSION The overall goal of providing screening or buffering between residential and business zones is laudible. The retroactive enforcement of this requirement in the zoning code may result in improved transitions between • these two potentially conflicting land uses. However, there are a number of constraints underlying this enforcement.